About Larynx Cancer

Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by

• Larynx Cancer

• Laryngeal Cancer

• Cancer of the Larynx

• Throat Cancer

What is Larynx Cancer?

• Definition: Larynx cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the larynx, which is also called the voice box.

• Location and Role: The larynx is an important part of the throat, situated between the base of the tongue and the windpipe, and it is crucial for breathing, speaking, and swallowing.

• Process: Most larynx cancers start in the flat cells (squamous cells) that line the inside of the larynx.

• Main Areas Affected: The cancer can develop in three primary areas:

• Supraglottis: The upper part, including the epiglottis.

• Glottis: The middle part where the vocal cords are located.

• Subglottis: The lower part, situated between the vocal cords and the windpipe.

• Demographics & Risk Factors: Larynx cancer is more common in men than women and often affects people over 60 years old. Main risk factors include smoking tobacco and drinking too much alcohol. Other factors that may increase risk are exposure to certain chemicals, a poor diet low in fruits and vegetables, and a family history of the disease.

Common Symptoms

• A hoarse voice that lasts for more than three weeks

• Difficulty or pain when swallowing

• A lump in the neck

• Persistent cough

• Trouble breathing or a high-pitched sound when breathing

• Ear pain (a less frequent symptom)

How is it diagnosed?

• Physical examination and medical history review

• Laryngoscopy: A procedure where doctors look inside the throat using a small camera.

• Biopsy: Taking a small sample of tissue to examine under a microscope.

• Imaging tests: CT scans, MRI, or PET scans are used to determine the extent of the cancer.

• Blood tests to check overall health.

How is it treated?

• Treatment Options:

• Surgery: Removing the tumor or part of the larynx.

• Radiation therapy: Using high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.

• Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.

• Targeted therapy: Using drugs that target specific cancer cell features.

• Immunotherapy: Boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer.

• A combination of treatments, depending on the stage and location of the cancer.

• Prognosis: Early-stage larynx cancer is often curable. However, advanced cases can be more challenging to treat as the cancer can spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body, making treatment more complex.

Trend

• Cases in the Last Five Years: Around 60,000 to 65,000 people have been affected by it.

• Projection: The number of new cases is expected to remain relatively stable, with a slight decrease due to declining smoking rates.

History

• Larynx cancer has been known in medical science for many years.

• In the late 19th century, doctors started to understand the connection between smoking and throat cancers.

• The first successful laryngectomy (removal of the larynx) was performed by Theodor Billroth in 1873.

• Throughout the 20th century, treatment methods improved with the development of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

• More recently, there has been a focus on organ-preserving treatments to maintain voice and swallowing function when possible.

• The discovery of the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and some throat cancers has resulted in new prevention and treatment strategies.

Larynx Cancer - Source of Information

• Johns Hopkins Medicine

• National Cancer Institute

• National Library of Medicine

For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.